Bilston Glen is a free space, open community, please come down to visit whenever you feel like. Everyone is welcome to stay for as much time as they want, providing they contribute to the community in some way.
Bilston is a protest site, but also the closest thing we have to a squatting scene in Edinburgh!
Since June 2002, there has been a protest site in bilston glen, 8 miles outside of Edinburgh, campaigning against the A701 re-alignment plans.
Bilston glen is a beautiful wildlife corridor, special site of scientific interest and a community determined to save it.
We are a non-hierarchical autonomous group who have occupied bilston woods for the past seven years. Living on site involves working on the defences (making it difficult for the eviction team to remove us) making paths, re-generating the woodland, planting trees, eating wild food, foraging in the countries best skips, playing backgammon and doing whatever you feel like!
Over the years we have been campaigning against not just the road, but all of the development in Midlothian, the hundreds of new houses, expansion of biotech and retail parks, which are promoting a culture dependent on car use, creating an infrastructure which is relying on a new road.
We have done actions against bio-tech but one of our main projects has been out-reach in the local community. Following the council during the local plan period, subverting their information and creating our own. Informing the local people about what is going on, and discussing their concerns. Making the council a laughing stock at one of their local plan meetings, and trying to create a sense of community.
For more information see our website
How to find us...
From Edinburgh, take the 37, 47 or X47 from Princes Street or Bridges/Clerk Street/Nicolson Street, towards PENICUIK.
The bus will take you out of the city of Edinburgh, into Midlothian. Get off at the first stop in Bilston, opposite a VW garage. Next to the bus stop is a metal gate, all you have to do is follow the path for a couple of minutes and you will see us and the treehouses!
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